Faculty

BENSON DIMARANAN, EdD, MAEd, RPhT, RDAEF2-ITR, OAP
Director of Education

Dr. Benson Dimaranan has been actively involved in the dental field for many years and currently serves as the Director of Education for the Continuing Dental Education Program. He is also the Founder and Owner of the Dental Career Institute and Surf City Family Dentistry. In addition, he was appointed as a Council Member of the California Association of Dental Assistant Teachers in 2010 and 2011.

From 2007 to 2009, Dr. Dimaranan authored the weekly column “When Clean Mouths Talk” for the Filipino community newspaper Philippine Times. He also contributed to the 4th Edition of the Saunders Elsevier Dental Instruments Pocket Guidebook and served as a textbook evaluator for Saunders/Mosby and F. A. Davis Company. In addition, he has self-published multiple dental handbooks, curriculum textbooks, and teaching methodology guides designed to support allied dental healthcare practitioners and educators.

Dr. Dimaranan currently serves as a Visiting Committee Member for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation. He graduated Cum Laude and earned both his Master’s Degree in Education and Doctorate in Education with distinction. Throughout his career, he has developed numerous healthcare curricula, teaching methodologies, and instructional techniques for both public and private institutions.

LINA MARIA FERNÁNDEZ BONILLA, RDAEF2, RDA, OAP, DMD, MS, PhD
Instructor / Faculty

Dr. Lina Maria Fernández Bonilla (Ms. Lina) is a licensed dentist in Colombia and a licensed Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF2), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) holder in the State of California. She brings many years of experience in both clinical dentistry and dental education.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University Foundation of San Martín, where she graduated with honors. She also holds advanced academic degrees, including a Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and has completed professional teaching credential training through the University of San Diego.

Dr. Fernández Bonilla has completed extensive continuing education in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics, demonstrating exceptional clinical competence and instructional expertise. She currently practices as an RDAEF2 and Orthodontic Assistant in Orange County, California, while actively teaching dental assisting certification programs in both public and private educational institutions.

Throughout her educational career, Dr. Fernández Bonilla has contributed to the development of multiple curricula, written examinations, mock clinical practical examinations, competency-based task evaluation forms, and student assessment tools. Her dedication to excellence in education and clinical training helps prepare students to meet the highest standards of professional practice and regulatory compliance.